MAY, 2013
Vol. 25 NO. 5
THE
SAGEBRUSH
CHRONICLE
Tuesday, May 28: Police Point Nature Centre:
 7:00 to 7:45 PM: General Business Meeting of GN
 7:45 to 8:00 PM: General Socializing
 8:00 to 9:00 PM: Feature Presentation “Hidden World of Small(ish) Mammals
Mr. Tim Schowalter, retired mammal expert, will reveal some of our rarely observed local
mammals; using owls as field collectors.
Remember the Potluck on Tuesday, June 25th at the Police Point Nature Centre.
Grassland Naturalists Information, Executive, Committees and Programs Personnel
President
Anne Bernhardt
527-2792
Vice-President
Jim Black
528-2069
[email protected]
Secretary
Barry Anderson
527-3519
[email protected]
The Society of Grasslands Naturalists encourages the
study, conservation and protection of all components of
the natural world. The Society provides educational
opportunities, assists in the collection and provision of
species data, acts as stewards of the environment,
discusses environmental topics and organizes member
activities. The Society also manages the Medicine Hat
Interpretive Program.
Treasurer and
Memberships
Eileen Cowtan
Past-President
John Slater
526-7003
Directors at Large
Bill Knibbs
Gary Martin
Hugh Armstong
527-1006
504-8103
526-1003
Paul Thibault
529-6181
General Meetings: 4th Tuesday, Sept. - May Board
Meetings: 1st Tuesday Sept. -June
529-6181
To join Grasslands Naturalists and/or send a
tax-deductible donation, write:
Budget Comm.
Governance Comm.
526-1264
The Sagebrush Chronicle is published ten times a year by
Grasslands Naturalists. Submissions of writing and
artwork are welcomed but must be edited for
publication. Deadline: the 10th of each month. If you
would like to advertise in the Chronicle, more information
is available from the editor.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Paul Thibault
IP Operations Comm. Phil Horch (chair)
529-5918
[email protected]
529-6225
Grasslands Naturalists
Box 2491
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8
Interpretive
Program
Corlaine Gardner
[email protected]
Contact info: Nature Centre 529-6225
Issues Committee
John Slater
Annual Membership Dues: Eileen Cowtan
Individuals
$20
Families
$25
Organizations
$25
526-7003
[email protected]
Martha Munz Gue
526-2226
Marty Drut
527-9710
[email protected]
Program Committee Rob Gardner
527-2052
Indoor Presentations [email protected]
Donations to Grassland Naturalists and Interpretive
Program are another great way to support local nature and
nature education. Tax receipts are issued for all donations
over $10. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Field Trips
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER
[email protected]
Michael O’Shea
[email protected]
504-1662
Gary Martin
504-8103
Carol Porter Bluebird Milt Spitzer
528-3120
Trail
[email protected]
Communications:
Facebook
Eileen Cowtan, (chair) 526 1264
Tina Regehr
527-5409
Website
Paul Thibault
529-6181
Newsletter Editor
Milt Spitzer
528-3120
Phoning
Bill Knibbs
527-1006
Nature AB Rep
Martha Munz Gue
Marty Drut (alternate)
526-2226
527-9710
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Prairie Conservation Rob Gardner
Forum
527-2052
SEAWA Enviro. Rep. Rob Gardner
SEAWA Civic Rep.
Martha Munz Gue
527-2052
526-2226
The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication
do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and the
Grasslands Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to
edit, reject or withdraw articles submitted. While due care
will be taken of all manuscripts, photos or artwork
submitted, GN cannot be held responsible for any loss or
damage to such articles.
GN Website:
www.natureline.info/gn
GN Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/GrasslandsNaturalists/187598394609744
You must be a Facebook member to view most of it.
Member’s Corner
The Executive is pleased to announce the appointments of Hugh Armstrong, Bill Knibbs and Gary Martin as
Directors at Large. A hearty thank you to these individuals for so graciously accepting these roles. Also special
thanks to all the volunteers on the various committees. These Committees will select their chairpersons and
will present budgets and policy and procedures to the Budget Committee and to the Governance Committee
respectively during the next several months.
Eileen Cowtan, Memberships Representative, reports that 94% of last year’s members have renewed and
that previous members, Penny Evans and Dan Schiebelbein have rejoined the Society; Welcome Back! At the
April Meeting, Ben Velner, was presented with a Life Time Membership (an article of this presentation is
contained within this issue).
VERY EXCITING NEWS! Its official! Jan Scott is to receive the 2013 Civic Environmental Recognition Award in
recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community of Medicine Hat. The ceremony will be held on
May 16 beginning at 7:00PM at the Esplanade. GN members and the public are encouraged to attend. Thanks
go to Valerie Martins who wrote the application for the nomination and to Linda Carney, Mike O’Shea, John
Slater, Corlaine Gardner for the Interpretive Program and young lepidopterist Devon Schneider who all wrote
letters of support. Valerie will be saying a few words of introduction for Jan.
We have just learned that long time GN member, Jim Marshall, has been named to the Alberta Order of
Excellence. Jim is being recognized for his artistic endeavors as well as for his contributions to Alberta Culture
and Heritage. This AOE will be awarded in a ceremony in October. What an amazing accomplishment!
On a much sadder note we are reporting the passing of long time members, Dawn Dickinson and Donna
MacLean. Following is a memorial as published in the Medicine Hat News and as written by Lorine Marshall in
a letter to the NEWS and on the next page is a memorial to Dawn Dickinson; as prepared by Dennis Baresco. At
the May Board Meeting, the GN executive planned to have a park bench installed near the Nature Centre in
Police Point Park to honor Donna and Dawn. GN is accepting donations towards this end. Tax Receipts will be
issued for any donation over $10.
DONNA MACLEAN WILL BE MISSED
On April 4, this community lost one of its most unassuming women. Donna MacLean was
a quiet, strong, supportive "lady" in the truest sense of the word. She was an incredible role
model to many, many, people who knew her.
Donna was involved as a volunteer with several organizations in Medicine Hat. Her energies were
always directed toward the positive and she was a powerhouse when she took on a task!!! Ask
any of us that were "pulled in" to help! We would work together, laughing, sharing food and
stories, and always getting the job done.
Donna never wanted personal credit for her efforts and some of her friends have quietly pledged
to themselves to continue in her footsteps.
Those are mighty big shoes to fill but the effort will be made sharing wonderful memories of Donna
Maclean and her 98 years well lived.
Dawn Dickinson: February 3rd, 1930 - April 2nd, 2013
Long-time Grasslands Naturalists volunteer and Board member Dawn Dickinson passed away April 2nd, 2013. With
her passing, Alberta lost one of its most dedicated, knowledgeable and respected stewards of the environment. Dawn’s
passion for the Prairies and the Cypress Hills was limitless, and as a biologist, she steadfastly maintained her principles
that science and facts should guide conservation and management.
Dawn was born in Lethbridge, grew up in England and in her twenties came to Medicine Hat for a summer job
surveying elk for Alberta Fish and Wildlife, which gave her an understanding of the conflicts which could occur over
land use and started her never-ending fascination with and dedication to conservation. Her life as a biologist took her
across Western Canada and the Arctic. Since settling in Medicine Hat, she has tirelessly volunteered for the
Grasslands Naturalists, Nature Alberta, Alberta Wilderness Association and, in the early 1990’s, Project Swiftsure.
Dawn organized a number of ambitious and successful workshops and symposia, including the Cypress Hills Forest
Management Workshop and the Meridian Dam Forum; the latter was the first time that the public was able to hear a
balanced perspective on the effects of the proposed dam. She wrote film scripts for Karvonen Films, a brochure on
sharp-tailed grouse for Fish & Wildlife, a reference on Cypress Hills ungulates, magazine articles, and many dozens of
scientific and consultative reports, briefs and critiques of legislation and draft conservation plans. She also wrote
books: Prairie River: a canoe and wildlife viewing guide to the South Saskatchewan River; the lyrical volume A Flight
of Deer; Caught in the Spin: the story of the wild horses of CFB Suffield; and the not-yet-published Landscape with
Elk.
Dawn's conservation efforts were not confined to science. She delighted in expressing her love of nature through
painting, photography and poetry. And she loved adventure, including a solo trip to Mexico by scooter (yes, scooter!)
and many canoe trips – for example, a two week solo journey in the Yukon.
Dawn received many awards and honours for her work, including the Grasslands Naturalists Lifetime Membership
Award (2008) and the City of Medicine Hat Civic Award for the Environment (1997). A celebration of Dawn’s life
was held April 22nd (Earth Day!) at the Police Point Park Nature Centre. The fifty attendees heard many delightful
stories about Dawn’s adventures, her intrepid nature and her love of the Prairies. This was followed by a showing of
Rick Price’s beautiful wildlife and nature photos from the Cypress Hills and the grasslands – images that had given
Dawn much pleasure in the last year of her life. All in all, it was a splendid social event that Dawn would most
certainly have appreciated.
Dawn is survived by her brother Edward who lives in England.
On the left is Dawn in 1956 in
Brocket where she worked as a
Speech Therapist while quietly
encouraging the children to
speak their native tongue.
On the right Dawn is boating
along the west coast in 1956.
Calendar of Events
April through June: “Alberta Plantwatch Program” It’s not too late to register to participate in this program.
Contact Martha Munz Gue ((403) 526-2226 or email [email protected] for more details and to
register for an assigned area.
Thursday, May 16: 7:00PM: “Civic Awards Ceremony at the Esplanade” Come see our own Jan Scott receive
the Civic Environmental Recognition Award.
Saturday, May 18: “Annual Brooks May Species Bird Count” 8:00AM Meet at the Tillebrook Campground
for area assignments.
Friday, May 24: 6:30PM “Wildflower Walk at the Medicine Hat College” This walk is being led by Cathy
Linowski. Meet at the Xeriscape garden at the northeast corner of MHC; Park in the north parking lot. This
walk will take place in the coulees around the college so good footwear and perhaps a walking stick is
recommended.
Sunday, May 26: “Annual Medicine Hat Bird and Wildflowers Count” Contact Marty Drut or Kit Hilsden at
the Nature Centre (403) 529-6225 for more details and area assignments.
Monday, May 27: 7:00PM “Cinema Politica: BOTTLED LIFE: Nestle’s Business with Water (2012): At the
Medicine Hat Library Theatre: In Switzerland, the Nestle’ Company has turned bottled water into a billion
dollar industry dominating the global bottled water market. A journalist, in spite of non-co-operation by
Nestle’s, researched the story in the USA, Nigeria, and Pakistan, uncovering the schemes and strategies of this
most powerful food and beverage company. For more information call (403) 502-8525.
May 31 to June 2: Spectrum: The prairies are bursting with life. The Interpretive Program will be downtown
at Spectrum, introducing people to our prairie ecosystem with their new travelling Pipit display.
Saturday, June 1: 08:00AM: Cypress Hills Spring Bird Count: Meet at the Elkwater Visitor Centre to get
assigned area for the count or call (403) 893-3833 or email [email protected] to pre-register for an area.
Sunday, June 2: SEAWA Rain Barrel Sale at Blondies: $50 to $55 per barrel.
Saturday, June 8: Prairie Appreciation Celebration. To be held at Geoff Watson’s ranch north of Elkwater
Cypress Hills. The Interpretive Program will be joining with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and many other
organizations in this celebration on the prairies. Call Rob Gardner for information on attending and for
volunteering at 403 527-2052.
Tuesday, June 25: Annual GN Potluck Dinner at the Interpretive Centre: 6:30PM: More information will be
available in the June Chronicle.
July 5 to 7: SEAWA Canoe Trip from Medicine Hat to Sandy Point: The cost is $50 per canoeist and includes
all food, canoe and equipment. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing weekend, learn about our watershed and see
the South Saskatchewan River. More details at www.seawa.ca or contact: [email protected] .
July 13 to 28: Walk to the Headwaters: Information in the April Chronicle. GN and SEAWA are planning to
walk the 25km leg of the event from Medicine Hat to Seven Persons on Monday, July 15. Special Media coverage
planned at City Hall in the mid morning. More details to follow on the GN website, www.natureline.info/gn and
at www.seawa.ca .
Other Nature Centre Events
Artist of the Month: Art Watt’s uniquely framed Art on Feathers and Leaves and also some very angry
rock paintings. You must see Art’s work.
Coming Soon: Major Grassland Display
Exciting Sightings
We have had a slow spring, and as recently as the last week of April snow cover persisted in the Cypress Hills and
its three lakes remained frozen. Mountain Bluebirds usually here by late-March had not yet returned to nest boxes
on the Carol Porter Bluebird Trail. On the prairie as in the hills songbird migration is late. However, despite the
delay there have been some exciting sightings reported in the past month.
Sage Thrasher- On April 7th Colton Prins had the
good fortune of locating a Sage Thrasher feeding with
American Robins in a farm yard along RGE Rd 70,
two kilometers north of Highway 1, near Redcliff.
This rare vagrant breeds in the open sagebrush
country of Southeastern Alberta.
Snow Geese/ Tundra swans- Driving west to
Calgary on highway 1 on April 21st Randy Stolz
reported seeing 100 tundra swans on a slough east of
Strathmore. Returning to Medicine Hat on April 22nd
Randy observed what he estimated to be 10,000
Snow Geese just east of Gleichen, at Highways 1 and
901.
Snowy Owl- Observed at TWP Rd 120/RGE Rd 85 by
Ben Velner and Bob Frew while birding the area around Sauder’s reservoir on April 13 th. This is a late sighting as
most Snowy Owls have usually departed for their Arctic breeding grounds by mid- March.
Long-billed Curlew- Mark Schiebelbein made his first sighting of the year of Alberta’s largest shore bird on April
21st. He observed two Curlews on the open prairie south of the City along RGE Rd 53 south of TWP Rd 114.
Wood Duck- A beautifully plumaged male was observed by Bob Frew at Police Point Park on April 29 th. Locally
each spring, we see small numbers of this perching duck which nests in hollow trees or nest boxes.
Steller’s Jay- Jan Scott reported seeing five Steller’s Jays in the small park across from her SE Hill residence on
April 28th , and two at a feeder in her neighbour’s yard on April 30th. A similar sighting was reported at the same
location several years ago. The species is more common on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, and can also
be seen at Waterton Lakes Park.
Mergansers- Three Merganser species, Common, Red-breasted and Hooded have been reported during the month
of April on the South Saskatchewan River at Police Point Park by several birders.
Warblers- Yellow-rumped Warblers are the earliest of the wood warblers to migrate through our area each spring.
Bob Frew initially alerted by their song, observed about twenty of the warblers at Police Point Park on May 3 rd.
The arrival of Yellow-rump warblers at the park coincides with the emergence of the Cottonwood blossoms, which
attract insects. Later that day, Bob also got a good look at an Orange –crowned Warbler on one of the trees in his
Southridge garden.
Longspurs- On a birding trip to Many Island Lake on May 3rd, Ben Velner reported sighting several hundred
McCown’s Longspur, and also large numbers of Chestnut-collared Longspur. Both longspur species were seen
while driving TWP Rd 150 and RGE Rd 14A north of the lake in shortgrass prairie habitat.
Send your exciting sightings to Bob Frew at 486 Sissons Cr SE Medicine Hat AB T1B 2J9 Phone 403-5264573 or e-mail [email protected]
On the right is a Bobcat observed by Calgary member,
Doug Kielau in his backyard in mid April.
Ben Velner Becomes Life-Time Member of Grasslands Naturalists
Presentation made by Robert Frew
I met Ben Velner about thirty years ago while
he was walking his dogs at Police Point Park,
which he did frequently. At that time GN was
just getting started, Paul Strickland was our
first President and Rob Gardner was the
interpreter at the Nature Centre.
Ben had developed an interest in
Natural History while growing up in his native
Holland. In Canada he often travelled the back
roads of southeastern Alberta and took an
immediate liking to the grasslands, its coulees,
marshes and lakes, as well as its flora and
fauna, which became his passion. He also got
to know the people who lived and farmed
there.
Ben’s annual spring field trip to
Manyberries/Pakowki Lake to observe dancing
Sage Grouse quickly became a GN favourite, and at times included up to a dozen vehicles in its entourage, with
participants coming from as far as Calgary and Edmonton. The fact that southeastern Alberta is an excellent place to
find some of the “most wanted” prairie species, coupled with Ben’s willingness to share his birding expertise with
others, has attracted many travelling birders to our area. Not surprisingly Ben is well known to birders in Lethbridge,
Calgary, Edmonton and elsewhere.
A decade or so ago Bob Parsons of the Edmonton Nature Club, aware of the variety of birding habitat
around Brooks, had recognized its potential as an ideal place for a spring bird count, and knowing of Ben’s expert
knowledge of the Brooks Eastern Irrigation District sought his advice and collaboration. The count is now in its 15 th
season, and is widely considered to be the pre-eminent bird count in the province, tallying an average 160 species
over the May long weekend. Over 50 birders from all over Alberta, and parts of BC participate in the event each
year. The Writing on Stone count was later added in 2000 and although smaller, is also successful.
Ben is a member of the GN Bird Study Group, which recently published an updated edition of the south
Eastern Alberta Bird Checklist; the group is pursuing further exciting initiatives to enhance birding opportunities in
eastern Alberta in collaboration with Canadian Badlands.
Ben has his own principled views on conservation, and has taken great efforts to avoid disturbing birds during their
nesting period. He also has a uncanny ability to find rare birds, be they Sage Thrashers, Poorwills, Mockingbirds or
Mountain Plover. In 2004 several GN members including Ben provided the first documented breeding record of
Common Poorwills in Alberta with a publication in Nature Alberta (Velner, B., R. Klauke, D. Dickinson, M. O’Shea,
and R. Frew. 2004 Nature Alberta 34(3)8-9). Also, Ben was the first to identify the Eurasian Collared-Dove in
southeast Alberta.
Ben’s fine craftsmanship is evident in many of the renovations he completed for the Nature Centre (i.e.
Floor tiles, Glasswork, Carpentry, Bluebird boxes). Ben is a renowned gardener, and a member of the Medicine Hat
Horticultural Society. His efforts in establishing a GN wildflower garden at Police Point Park included cultivating
from seed many native plant species for transplantation.
MANYBERRIES FIELDTRIP
Nine birders joined Ben Velner at 6:30 am on April 6, for the annual Manyberries fieldtrip. In three vehicles, we
travelled through pea soup fog for much of the way, severely reducing the count of birds. To our relief, the fog
eventually lifted not far from the town of Manyberries. We stopped and heard our first Meadowlark. A bit farther, we
saw a single male Mountain Bluebird. We parked beside a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek and observed around 15 grouse,
reminding me of dancers at a Powwow. We spotted a small hawk in the distance and after some tramping, identified it
as a Merlin.
We stopped in town, observing Eurasian Collared Doves, a pair of Brewer’s Blackbirds and a flock of Robins. We then
drove cross country and were treated to many flocks of Snow Geese flying overhead. One small flock had a single Blue
Goose variant. Waterfowl numbers were severely reduced, probably due to the very dry conditions, the cool Spring
temperatures and the late melt and runoff.
We stopped for lunch at our traditional spot. When we saw the honeybee hives we remembered how we were forced
to flee down the road last year. The bees didn’t seem too bad until the sun came out. With the solar heat, honeybees
were soon flying everywhere, landing on our jackets and flying into our automobiles. We clustered on the road and
were treated to a sighting of a single Sandhill Crane, followed by more flocks of Snow Geese overhead.
We decided to drive to Etzikom hoping that the Red-bellied Woodpecker observed a few weeks earlier by Milt Spitzer
might still be in the area. Rob Gardner talked to one of the local residents. Encouraging news! The bird was still
around! Eventually the woodpecker was spotted a few blocks away by Barry Anderson, on the side of a powerpole. We
hurried towards it, causing it to flee across town. A search began with cars travelling in different directions but the bird
was not to be found. About 30 minutes later, it was finally observed again, not far from where Rob Gardner had talked
to the first town resident.
With smiles on our faces we headed for home at around 2:30 in the afternoon and were rewarded with two sightings of
Northern Shrikes. Thank you Ben for the wonderful day.
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Medicine Hat Interpretive Program
Managed by Grasslands Naturalists
based in Police Point Park
Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8
Phone 403-529-6225
IP Annual Report to the Grasslands Naturalist AGM, March 26, 2013
The Interpretive Program had another very successful year in 2012. About 32,000 people made use of our services,
including more than 350 school and community groups. Numbers are important, but they only touch the surface of
what we do. Our programs, exhibits, answers to questions, and all aspects of managing the Nature Centre, provide real
information and connection to nature for Hatters and their friends and relatives. This connection is vital to the health of
our citizens, our society, and our City.
2012 was International Year of the Bat, and that was reflected with an exhibit, public program, bat house building with
school classes, and it carried over to our Family Day in 2013. Support from the Alberta Conservation Association was
important for all of that project.
Another project which started in 2012, is our Spragues’s Pipit - Phantom Singer of the Prairies. With major funding
from Environmental Damages Fund with the federal Department of the Environment, this project is now in full swing,
with Marty Drut coordinating, and many Grassland Naturalists volunteering.
Our regular programming continues to be very successful. Our public programs range from the big traditional events
like the four days of Easter celebrations to more select groups exploring natural areas and parks throughout the City.
Over 10,000 people took part in these events. Community sponsorship is very important for many of our traditional
events. We receive funds and volunteers from Kiwanis for Family Day. The Kinsmen have provided funding support
for Easter for many years, and the Lions Club has sponsored the Christmas Hayride for 30 years! Newer groups are
also taking on roles in organizing and volunteering for things like the Geocaching events and weekends. The
Archeology Club coordinates some speakers and events, which are also open to the public. Local art groups of many
types work with us to create exciting exhibits. In the spring of 2012, we hosted a wonderful quilt and fabric art show,
Prairie Threads 2012.
The Interpretive Program also plays an important role in providing experience and training for young people. Some
youth volunteer, while others work with us as practicum students, or on credit course work terms. We also provide
summer jobs for students, with subsidies from federal or provincial government. The provincial program STEP which
was cancelled in March 2013 will be missed.
The Interpretive Program is managed by the Grasslands Naturalists who have a contract with the City through the
Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department. That contract provides funding for about half of our budget. Grasslands
Naturalists have just signed a contract for another five years.
The Community has shown very positive support for the work that the Interpretive Program is doing. The Naturalists
can be proud of their role in continuing the important work of inspiring our citizens to enjoy, understand, and
appreciate the Canadian prairies.
MHIP Annual Report to Grasslands Naturalists AGM March 26, 2013
Listserv (email list service available to GN Members)
Grasslands Naturalists is developing an email list service (technically called a listserv) which will allow
any of us to post information for viewing by all other members. We hope this will allow us to stay in touch in an
informal but informative way.
I will explain how it works. We will all be connected via a common email address, in our case
[email protected] (topica.com being a free host). When a member posts to this address, the email goes out to all
the people on the list. Any member can post, or reply to a post, in which case the emails will form a thread
which is visible to all other members.
Membership to this email service will be by invitation only and restricted to GN members. It is possible
we would invite someone from outside our membership list, but it would have to be someone we feel would
benefit our members.
We envision such uses as instant sharing of Exciting Sightings, announcements of events for which no
prior notice was available, a forum for discussion of issues such as “potatogate” where a letter writing
campaign might be urged, or simply to ask other members for clarification on something you saw on the news
or overheard in a conversation. Let’s say you are thinking of going birding or butterflying next Saturday and
would like some company, you could post and if someone else has Saturday open, they could respond and make
a good day afield even better.
One concern which has been raised in an executive meeting is jamming (spam) of email. While there is
no way of knowing beforehand, it is unlikely we will see a tremendous volume. If it does become too much, you
could ask to be removed from the list as there will be a process for this. For that matter, you can ignore the
invitation to join and not participate at all. It is possible that someone could try to use this forum to post offtopic or inappropriate comments, in which case the moderator will take the necessary steps to curtail such
activities.
If you have concerns about this, please address them to Eileen Cowtan. Her email address is posted on
the executive page 2 of the Chronicle. When we decide to implement this new form of communication, every
GN member will receive an email containing an invitation. Simply reply to the email, then put [email protected]
into your contacts and you are ready to post.
Please give it a go, as it will only be worthwhile if we make use of it.
Submitted by Dave McKenzie [email protected] or [email protected] .
Hugh Armstrong took this
photo of a Porcupine while
on one of his daily walks in
Police Point Park
Society of Grasslands Naturalists Board Meeting April 9, 201
Present: John Slater, Bill Knibbs, Eileen Cowtan, Marty Drut, Anne Bernhardt (host), Martha Gue, Barry Anderson
Minutes: March 5, 2013 Board minutes were reviewed. Bill moved the minutes be adopted; John seconded. Motion
carried.
Action Items:
1. The Revised Bird Checklist invoice has been received. Cost $2700 shared equally by GN and Alberta Parks.
2. John reported that the Canadian Water Week and UN World Water Day (March 22) were very successful events.
Treasurer’s Report – Eileen
1. Eileen presented a Balance Sheet and an Income Statement up to March 31, 2013.
2. Our current GN membership is 76 paid with 18 others requiring renewal. Please contact Eileen to renew
memberships and to complete waiver forms.
3. Regarding signing authority on the GN bank accounts, the following motions were in order:
 Eileen moved that the signing officers for the Society of Grasslands Naturalists bank accounts remain
unchanged for the 2012-2013 year. These signing officers are: Anne Bernhardt (President), John Slater
(Past-President), Eileen Cowtan (Treasurer) and Barry Anderson (Secretary). All cheques written for the
Society of Grasslands Naturalists must be signed by any two of the above-identified individuals. Seconded
by Bill; motion carried.
 Eileen moved that Anne Bernhardt, replacing John Slater as President, be appointed as a new signing
officer for the Society of Grasslands Naturalists’ Medicine Hat Interpretive Program Committee bank
account; that the other three signing officers – Phil Horch, Val Felesky and Corlaine Gardner – remain
unchanged; and that all cheques be signed by any two of the above-identified individuals. Seconded by
Bill; motion carried.
Note: Specific banking information has been removed from these minutes for confidentiality reasons.
Discussion Items:
1. The GN Board moved that John Slater be appointed Past-President for 2012-2013; John accepted. Motion carried.
2. The GN Board moved that Bill Knibbs, Gary Martin and Hugh Armstrong be appointed as Directors at Large for
2012-2013. Motion carried.
3. John to update list of Appointed Committees and External Organizations and forward a copy to Anne for GN
records.
Other Reports:
1. Issues Committee – Martha
 John shared a March 7 letter of response from Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent GN regarding an
initial GN letter of concern sent to him on January 10. The issue surrounds Species at Risk, specifically the
greater sage grouse.
 The meeting with the Cypress County Reeve in response to their letter dated February 7 regarding Species
at Risk still needs to be determined.
 On April 20 at 9:00 am Ron Linowski will give a short presentation at the Nature Centre on the Tiny
Cryptanthe Recovery Plan to be followed by a walk through CH Ranchlands to search for plants as well
as observe other wildflowers.
 Alberta Plantwatch Program is encouraging participation during April to June to watch the blooming of
one or two selected wildflowers in a specific location. When reported annually to the website, this
information gives indication of the advance of spring and climate change. Martha encourages members to
participate in various locations around Medicine Hat. Currently, Mike does Ross Glen Creek, Martha NE
Crescent Heights and Cathy Linowski the MH College.
 The document Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Bird Regulations suggests adding the
hunting of Sandhill Cranes in southeast Alberta. However, the main concern is the possibility of shooting
endangered Whooping Cranes, particularly the juveniles due to misidentification.
 Marty reported that the Eco-Justice Sage Grouse Lawsuit and the appeal in relation to the Cabinet
confidence motion held its hearing in Vancouver on March 19; a decision is expected later this year.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Interpretive Program – Marty for Corlaine Gardner
 Marty reported dates and locations for the travelling Sprague’s Pipit Display Project – April 13 in Bow
Island and April 20 in Lethbridge. More locations will follow throughout the spring and summer.
 The Easter Weekend Program “Chicks and Bunnies” at the Nature Centre was tremendously successful
this year with a turnout of around 5500 people. Special thanks to Val Martins and all volunteers.
 In celebration of Get Outdoors weekend across the province, the Nature Centre along with Be Fit For Life
Medicine Hat, will be hosting a fun-filled day of activities on Sunday, April 14 including geo-caching,
campfire building and bike safety.
Outdoor Programs and Field Trips
 Martha indicated that Nellie Spicer has extended an invitation to GN members to visit her residence in
Walsh to learn about landscaping with wildflowers. A field trip will tentatively be planned sometime in
June.
 Mike O’Shea continues to collect your ideas for future field trips. Check the Chronicle and GN website for
any field trip updates.
Nature Alberta – Martha
 Martha reported that the Nature Alberta AGM will be held in Edmonton on April 26-28 with a banquet
and migrating snow goose chase to be held that weekend. Contact Martha for more details.
SEAWA - Martha
 Alberta Land Stewardship Centre will hold a meeting Water Stewards in Motion on May 2 at the
Medicine Hat Lodge from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Contact Martha for more details if you are interested in
attending. Registration required.
Other Business:
1. Paul Thibault from the Budget Committee has requested that by May 1 all other committees should have elected a
chairperson and should forward to him an annual wish list and proposed budget for the upcoming year - April 1,
2013 to March 31, 2014.
2. Ben Velner has been nominated for a “Life-Time GN Membership.” Ben has accepted the nomination and will
receive his award April 23 at the next GN General Meeting.
3. Phil Horch will call an Operations Committee Meeting regarding the GN and IP insurance split payment criterion
and other business.
4. The GN Board extends our sympathies to the families of both Donna Maclean and Dawn Dickinson who passed
away earlier this week. Considerable discussion surrounded how to honour both individuals. Anne to talk to
Dennis Baresco.
5. Martha suggested that a copy of Dawn Dickinson’s novel “Caught in the Spin” be donated to each of the libraries in
the Shortgrass Library system. Perhaps other libraries throughout Alberta could also receive a free copy – a great
way to pay tribute to Dawn’s legacy. Anne will talk to Hilary Munro at the Public Library.
6. A workshop called “Being an Effective Board: How Do We Measure Up?” will be held Saturday, May 4, at the MHC
Crowfoot Room from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Cost is $10.00 which includes lunch; registration deadline is May 1. The
GN Board especially encourages the Directors at Large to attend.
Adjournment at 9:30 pm. The next Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7, hosted by Bill at #307 – 3090 15 Avenue
SE.
The GN Governance Committee has recently developed Policies and Procedures documents for
the Issues, Indoor Program, Communications, Governance and Budget Committees. These
documents are available, for comment, on the “For Members section of the GN website and at
the Nature Centre. The Policies and Procedures documents will be considered for approval at
the next Board Meeting on June 4th. Any comments or questions may be addressed to Paul
Thibault ( [email protected] ) or by calling 403 529-6181.
Adopt a Species at Risk
By John Slater, Past President
Last year, in six issues of the Sagebrush Chronicle, there were articles from the Federal Government’s Environment Canada
booklet, Species at Risk – a guide to Canada’s species at risk in the Prairie Provinces, March 2009, concerning six endangered
species: Greater Sage Grouse, Swift Fox, Burrowing Owl, Tiny Cryptanthe, Whooping Crane and Ord’s Kangaroo Rat. This
month, the page from that booklet on the endangered MOUNTAIN PLOVER is printed below. As stated, the Mountain Plover is
a small shorebird distinguished from the other brown-backed plovers and killdeer by the absence of a dark neck-band. Don’t
let the name fool you, this plover lives in the dry short-grass and sagebrush of the prairies far from the Rocky Mountains; being
limited in Canada to only southeastern Alberta and around Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan (see map below). During
the breeding and nesting season, they prefer flat heavily graze or burned native grassland, and then migrate by way of
California to the cactus deserts or high open grass plains of northern Mexico for the winter. When approached, the Mountain
Plover is a fast runner that seldom flies, but when it does, it flies low with down-curved wings. In recent bird records, there
have been reported less than 10 adult birds across Canada so an intensive conservation program needs to be undertaken to
increase their numbers. A campaign to raise the level of awareness among ranch landowners is continuing.
Grasslands Naturalists
Box 2491, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8G8
MEMBERSHIP FORM
YES! I would like to be part of the Society of Grasslands Naturalists.
Name: ________________________
Name of 2nd Family Member: _______________________
Address: _____________________________
Individual: $20/year ______
City / Prov: ___________________________
Family:
Postal Code: _________________________
Organization: $25/year ______
Telephone: ___________________________
Donation: ________ Tax Receipt Available
email: _______________________________
TOTAL ENCLOSED: _____________
Preference to receive GN Chronicle newsletter by post
Signature(s): _________________________
Date: _____________________________
$25/year ______
_____ email _______
_______________________________
Date: __________________________
WAIVER FORM
I may wish to participate in field trips and events organized by Grasslands Naturalists.
I affirm that as a participant I am prepared to stay with the group and follow the directions of the coordinator.
I affirm that, knowing my personal state of health, I feel that I am mentally and physically capable of participating in the trips and events
that I choose to attend.
I acknowledge that I am aware of the inherent risks, hazards and dangers associated with activities arising from my
participation in trips and events which may result in injury to me or result in my death.
Therefore in consideration of my participation in these trips and events, for myself, my heirs, my executors, my administrators
and my successors, I voluntarily assume all risks and hereby waive all my rights against and unconditionally release and
discharge the Grasslands Naturalists, its members, directors, officers, its affairs and its coordinators from all manner of
activities, causes of action, suits, claims and demands for damages, personal injury, death, loss or damage to property, expenses
or otherwise which may or shall arise in any way as a result of my participation in the above trips and events.
__________________________________________________
Signature of Member
__________________________
Date
__________________________________________
Signature of 2nd Family Member
__________________________
Date